The Best Creative Activity Books for Kids

Here are our favorite creative activity books for kids and families! Explore, tinker, and create with these fun books.

Updated April 2024

Looking for some inspiration when it comes to making art at home? Tired of scrolling through pinterest trying to find creative activities for your kids? We’ve got just what you need!

Here are our favorite activity books for kids and families, guaranteed to provide you with tons of fun and easy activities related to art, science, and more! Some are written by friends of the blog and others are personal favorites of ours.

Activity Books for Kids and Families

TinkerLab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors

By Rachelle Doorley of TinkerLab

This Book was a Tree: Ideas, Adventures and Inspiration for Rediscovering the Natural World

By Marcie Chambers Cuff

101 Kids Activities that are the Bestest, Funnest Ever!

By Holly Homer and Rachel Miller of Kids Activities Blog

Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects & Activities to Spark Children’s Storytelling

By Emily Neuburger

My First Bird Book and Bird Feeder

By Sharon Lovejoy

Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments

By Mike Adamick

Art Workshop for Children

By Barbara Rucci of ARTBAR

Drawing Workshop for Kids: Process Art Experiences for Building Creativity and Confidence

by Samara Caughey of Purple Twig

Play, Make, Create, A Process-Art Handbook: With Over 40 Art Invitations for Kids

by Meri Cherry of Meri Cherry

Collage Workshop for Kids: Rip, Snip, Cut, and Create with Inspiration from The Eric Carle Museum

by Shannon Merenstein

Adventures in Cardboard: Amazing DIY Cardboard Projects for the Whole Family! 

by Eleanor Ford of Mini Mad Things

Stitch + String Lab for Kids: 40+ Creative Projects to Sew, Embroider, Weave, Wrap, and Tie

By Cassie Stephens

Easy Paper Projects: 60 Crafts You Can Wear, Gift, Use, and Admire

By Maggy Woodley of Red Ted Art

Sticks and Stones: A Kid’s Guide to Building and Exploring in the Great Outdoors

By Melissa Lennig

Cardboard Creations: Open-Ended Exploration with Recycled Materials

By Barbara Rucci of ARTBAR

The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family’s Life with Art and Creativity

by our founder, Jean Van’t Hul 

The Artful Year: Celebrating the Seasons and Holidays with Crafts and Recipes

by Jean Van’t Hul

Invitation to Draw: 99 Drawing Prompts to Inspire Kids’ Creativity

by Jean Van’t Hul

More Book Lists from the Artful Parent

• 30 Children’s Books About Artists + Creativity
• 25 Valentine’s Day Books for Kids
• The Best Holiday Picture Books
• A Slightly Spooky Halloween Children’s Book List
• Our All-Time Favorite Audio Books for Kids and Families

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